DARJEELING,: The second edition of Darjeeling
Melo Tea Fest, slated to start on December 11 this year, promises to be a
larger and more vibrant celebration with an extended array of performances,
competitions and community-centric activities.
Previously
organised solely by Darjeeling Police, this year, the Gorkhaland Territorial
Administration (GTA) has joined forces to make the fest a grander affair.
Announcing
the fest today, Darjeeling SP Praween Prakash said, “This time around, the
program duration from three to five days. The goal is to encourage tourists to
stay longer and indulge in a wide range of activities.”
The
extension to five days comes in response to public demand and to give tourists
more opportunities to engage with the culture and traditions of the Hills, said
Prakash. Last year's edition included cultural programmes, a band competition,
traditional fashion show, food and craft exhibitions, photo exhibition and a
marathon. This year, more activities are being added.
GTA
Tourism Sabhasad Norden Sherpa, who was present at the announcement, revealed
that the GTA’s annually winter fest held in December has been cancelled in favour
of the joint Melo Tea Fest. “This year, we have cancelled the winter fest and
instead decided to hold a combined event with the Darjeeling Police and make it
grander. The idea here is not only to promote tourism but also to ensure
participation of more locals so they can benefit from the event,” he said.
This
year's festival will see some acclaimed bands take the stage at Chowrasta.
Mantra, the famous Nepali rock band from Darjeeling, will open the festival,
while other performers include Kutumba, a Nepali fusion band from Nepal, and
About Us, a rock band from Nagaland. The closing act will be headlined by
Girish and The Chronicles. The fest’s band competition will offer categories
like Western Rock, Nepali Rock and solo music with a prize pool of Rs. 19 lakhs. An all-women band
performance is also on the line-up.
New
additions to the festival include the introduction of three tourism circuits
aimed at promoting outdoor and cultural activities. The adventure circuit will
focus on paragliding, river rafting, rock climbing, trekking and hiking, with
13 different hikes in Darjeeling and Kalimpong planned in collaboration with
local youth and GTA Tourism.
The bird
watching circuit will explore areas like Latpanchar, Singalila and Sittong,
promoting eco-tourism through a network of guides, homestays and local taxi
services. Additionally, the festival will highlight village cultural tourism
where tourists can experience ethnic traditions by staying with local
communities in Takdah and Teesta Valley, enjoying smaller festivals focused on
orchids, tea and oranges.
The
festival will also introduce a short film competition, showcasing the talents
of local filmmakers.
The
event will culminate with the 11th edition of the Darjeeling Hill Marathon on
December 22. The marathon, with a prize pool of Rs. 29.8 lakhs, has become a major
draw over the years, attracting athletes from across the country.